Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From the Y-junction, bear left and head steadily downslope past large old-growth
Douglas firs and vine-like poison oak a quarter mile to
Spruce Creek Camp
(2 miles,
750'). This idyllic backcountry camp offers three sites at the confluence of
Salmon
and Spruce Creeks
.
The trail leads directly to the first site, atop a flat on Spruce Creek's south bank.
There's room enough for up to two tents, as well as a fire ring and a few large logs
for seating. Do not use the abandoned pit toilet 100 feet downstream along Salmon
Creek, as the steep topography and winter runoff pose a problem. Until the toilet is
replaced, bring a shovel and dig a waste pit at least 6 inches deep and 100 feet from
water. Watch where you sit, as poison oak is prolific.
The second site lies across Salmon Creek, just below the confluence. Though
usually just a boulder-hop, this crossing may be wet or even impassable during heavy
winter rains. Use a walking stick or handy branch to keep your balance. Once across,
take a short spur north 20 feet past a rope swing to the site, which offers a table, a fire
ring, a grill, and room for up to three tents.
The third site sprawls across adjoining flats along the Salmon Creek Trail, 40 feet
upstream from the first site. There's a fire ring and room for up to three tents.
Beyond the third site, the trail begins a moderate climb of the north-facing slopes
in the shade of young Douglas firs, bays, oaks, and ceanothus, whose blue blossoms
fill the air with a lilac aroma in spring. You'll skirt high above the creek past small
rapids and swirling emerald pools. While this stretch of the trail is clear of overgrown
brush, a few small washouts between Spruce Creek and Estrella Camps require care-
ful footing.
As you cross steep minor gullies, the sound of cascading water will lead you on.
Just before a bend in the trail (2.6 miles, 1140'), a steep spur drops 150 feet to the base
of
Upper Salmon Creek Falls.
More reminiscent of a deer trail, the precarious spur
slides down loose rock past poison oak. Despite the challenging trail conditions, the
alluring waterfall and swimming hole tempt many hikers down to the banks of Sal-
mon Creek.
A few yards past the spur, you'll veer south 200 feet up a minor gully, cross
its small seasonal stream, then switchback north up the Salmon Creek drainage (2.7
miles, 1150'). Skirting a few fallen trees, the trail opens on fine views of the canyon's
forested slopes and the often-fogbound coast. Onward, the trail veers southeast away
from the creek to a spur junction (3.1 miles, 1340'). This short spur leads to a grassy
flat where deer commonly graze, an excellent place to stargaze a few paces from
Estrella Camp.
Just past the junction, you'll arrive at the first two sites (3.25 miles, 1360'),
perched on the west bank of Estrella Creek just above its confluence with Salmon
